About Alcatraz

Alcatraz Penitentiary was truly “The Rock,” where America sent the worst of the worst criminals from 1934-1966.

Public enemies like Scarface Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Creepy Karpis, and the Birdman (Robert Stroud) all learned this first hand.

People on the outside have always been fascinated with Alcatraz. Visitors peered at Alcatraz through telescopes when the prisoners were there, and ever since it was opened to tours, thousands of visitors have come every year.

Alcatraz Tour Benefits

Award winning audio tour of Alcatraz - Of the Alcatraz cell house, featuring interviews with former guards and former prisoners.

Possibility of meeting an actual Alcatraz guard or ex-prisoner - Who are often on the island to talk to visitors.

Learn about the 1962 escape from Alcatraz - Featured in the movie Escape from Alcatraz. Decide for yourself if they really made it or not!

Man-eating sharks? Dungeons? Executions? - Learn for yourself what was real and what is only legend.

Step inside an actual Alcatraz prison cell - Have your photograph taken, including their famous “Hole”, which was reserved only for the very worst criminals.

Incredible views of the Bay - Look at San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from Alcatraz Island.

Beautiful gardens- Planted by prisoners and are now being restored by volunteers.

About the Tour

After you sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll circle Alcatraz Island and see every angle of this mysterious island.

With sound effects and stories about famous inmates like Al Capone, Billy Cook the Killer, and Clyde Johnson’s famous escape attempt, you’ll have a clear picture of what life in this maximum-security prison when it was the most feared institution in the American penal system. Hear chilling tales of escape attempts and unscripted accounts of life on the rock.

Schedule & Pricing

Daily (schedule may change slightly)

10:45am2:15pm5:30pm

12:15pm3:15pm6:45pm

1:15pm4:30pm7:30pm

Tour Length - 90 minutes

Adults: $30 Children (<12): $25

NEW! Multi-language audio tour

You can use your Smartphone, iPad or any Wi-Fi enabled device to access the new multi-language audio tour!